Putin and Xi Meet to Show Solidarity As Crisis Over Ukraine Continues

Putin and Xi , Meet to Show Solidarity , As Crisis Over Ukraine Continues.

On February 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with China's Xi Jinping in a show of solidarity amid a crisis over Ukraine.

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On February 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with China's Xi Jinping in a show of solidarity amid a crisis over Ukraine.

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'The Washington Post' reports that both leaders expressed opposition to NATO expansion while avoiding directly mentioning the current conflict by name.

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'The Washington Post' reports that both leaders expressed opposition to NATO expansion while avoiding directly mentioning the current conflict by name.

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According to a summary of the meeting by state news agency Xinhua, Xi said that China and Russia , "firmly support each other in safeguarding their core interests.".

According to a summary of the meeting by state news agency Xinhua, Xi said that China and Russia , "firmly support each other in safeguarding their core interests.".

'The Washington Post' reports that Putin announced a plan to build a new pipeline in order to supply China with more gas.

'The Washington Post' reports that Putin announced a plan to build a new pipeline in order to supply China with more gas.

Hours before the high-profile meeting, the United States reportedly issued a warning to China against helping Russia dodge sanctions.

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Hours before the high-profile meeting, the United States reportedly issued a warning to China against helping Russia dodge sanctions.

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According to 'The Washington Post,' Western officials have said those sanctions might include penalties on Russian financial institutions or curbs on technology exports.

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They could also include personal sanctions leveled against Kremlin leaders and their associates.

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They could also include personal sanctions leveled against Kremlin leaders and their associates.

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Analysts have expressed fear that China's support could embolden Russia, which has amassed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders.

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Analysts have expressed fear that China's support could embolden Russia, which has amassed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine's borders.

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The 'Washington Post' reports that in 2008, the last time China hosted the Olympics, Russia invaded Georgia while Putin attended that event's Opening Ceremony.

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The 'Washington Post' reports that in 2008, the last time China hosted the Olympics, Russia invaded Georgia while Putin attended that event's Opening Ceremony.

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Efforts to resolve the standoff diplomatically have been stalled as both sides have refused to compromise on key issues.

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Efforts to resolve the standoff diplomatically have been stalled as both sides have refused to compromise on key issues.